2024 Super Rugby Under 16 and 19 series (29th Sept - 3rd Nov)

[farrellybros]

He'd be in grade 12 next year so it would be pretty reckless to take someone away from their final year of studies. Probably fine in league but not where union should be positioning itself.

I'm not saying there isn't upside in the kid but at the moment he's got some real work to do scrum-wise - I'm just pointing that at the moment he's not getting through much work in D (I heard 3 tackles in the second game and low ruck involvements) and he looks to be focused on opportunities out wide. He's a weapon in attack and his old man is 6 foot 9 so assuming a bit of extra growth he might end up at 8. Compared to a kid like Trevor King at the same age he's far more dynamic in attack but a shadow in King's work in the core areas expected of a front-rower.

 

[Rudderless]

U16

U19

 

[Rudderless]

Uys straight onto the bench for the 19s is exciting, if he backs up well that's a lot of punch off the bench

Kingsley Uys and Tom Robinson Step Up for Reds in Super Rugby U19s

reds.rugby

 

[Wilson]

Good write from Christy on the contracting approach to the current crop of under 18s and where they currently sit in the landscape:

https://www.theroar.com.au/2024/10/12/australia-shocked-new-zealand-schools-last-week-this-is-how-ra-plans-to-keep-most-of-them/

Here is the current status of the Australian Schoolboys team:

Kingsley Uys – Reds Academy
John Grenfell – Reds Academy
Edwin Langi – Waratahs Academy
William Ross – Reds Academy
Isaac Fonua – Tahs Academy
Eli Lagni – TBC
Tom Robinson – Reds Academy
Heinz Lemoto – TBC; favoured to head to Penrith in rugby league
Angus Grover – Tahs Academy
Jonty Fowler – TBC; expected to remain in Australian rugby but not necessarily at the Waratahs
Heamasi Makasini – Wests Tigers
Joshua Takai – Reds Academy but could find a new home elsewhere with another Australian Super Rugby franchise
Frankie Goldsbrough – Reds
Nicholas Conway – Reds Academy
Rex Bassingthwaighte – TBC; expected to sign long-term with the Roosters

Reserves

Ewalo Kruger – TBC; there’s competition for the young hooker
Nicholas Hill – Waratahs Academy
Hayden Lavercombe – TBC
Avery Thomson – Reds Academy
Luca Cleverley – Waratahs Academy
TJ Lalaileva – TBC; expected to head to Newcastle
Sam Blank – Waratahs Academy
Zach Fittler – Waratahs

Good to see most outside of the known league guys inside the tent for now at least. Looks like finding a spot for Fowler might be a bit of a priority.

 

[Rudderless]

U16 Brumbies 36 Rebels 17

U19 Brumbies 59 Rebels 15

 

[Wilson]

Huge win (in meaning, not pd) for the Reds u15s over NSW, final score 20-19. Came back from a 19-3 deficit to win this one and reverse what has been a lot of one way traffic between NSW and QLD in age grade games recently.

Epic Comeback Win Crowned By A Kick for Reds U15s

qld.rugby

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

Lucky for us NSW fans we keep the titles for 15s though after the NSW win at Ballymore last week.

These kids are far too good these days. The S&C in some of them is very impressive.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

U16 Brumbies 36 Rebels 17

U19 Brumbies 59 Rebels 15

Glad the Rebels 16s got a bit more of a game this week. Was worried what might happen after last the NSW game.

 

[Bullrush]

Glad the Rebels 16s got a bit more of a game this week. Was worried what might happen after last the NSW game.

Rebels actually beat the Force last week after their loss to the Tahs

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

A week has just disappeared in my world. Apologies for that and thanks Bullrush.

Having just watched NSW put 50 on QLD I think NSW might just be a rampant team.

Force v Tahs could be a concern considering that result.

 

[Bullrush]

A week has just disappeared in my world. Apologies for that and thanks Bullrush.

Having just watched NSW put 50 on QLD I think NSW might just be a rampant team.

Force v Tahs could be a concern considering that result.

Force beat the Brumbies who beat the Rebels who beat the Force.... take from that what you will from that lol

The Tahs put 90-odd on the Brumbies in a warm-up game and 100-agaunst the Rebels. We'll see how the Brumbies go against them in the real deal this week.

 

[Wilson]

Cracking game between QLD and NSW in the under 19s so far, lots of back and forth with NSW leading 34-31 with ~20 to go.

 

[Wilson]

A misfiring lineout cruelled QLD's chances in the end, NSW wins 42-31. Plenty of great rugby from both sides though, NSW backrow and 10/15 were great, QLD front row (especially Trevor King) and Reubens their best for mine.

 

[BobbyD]

A misfiring lineout cruelled QLD's chances in the end, NSW wins 42-31. Plenty of great rugby from both sides though, NSW backrow and 10/15 were great, QLD front row (especially Trevor King) and Reubens their best for mine.

Agree. Veiru (6), Grover (13) and Harvey (15) best for the Tahs. King (3) and Martins (9) for the Reds.

Gillon (Reds 4) and Doyle (Tahs 8) seemed to be in attendance at nearly every ruck. Big engines for big fellas.

Likely rematch at Ballymore in 2 weeks for the final. If Reds can sort out their lineout it’s game on. Tahs just need to give away fewer penalties for off feet clean outs and high tackles.

 

[TSR]

These kids are far too good these days. The S&C in some of them is very impressive.

It’s incredible the size and athleticism of some of these youngsters.

 

[WorkingClassRugger]

It’s incredible the size and athleticism of some of these youngsters.

I was watching and commented to my brother about the size of the NSW and Qld U16s. Large bunch of lads.

 

[Rugby follower]

No 15 for Waratahs a stand out for the backs in the u19’s, very smooth runner and silky skills. Caused QLD all sorts of issues, just needs to add some size as I’m sure he will in the Academy program. One of many to watch out for. Pathways looking strong , albeit somewhat confusing with U18 game last weekend then some players backing up into this.

 

[farrellybros]

Probably expected more from the Tahs today but they still looked like a significantly dominant team. Reds had moments of being OK but discipline at the Tahs end and the fact the Reds struggled at the set piece kept the Reds in the game.

This competition helps develop/showcase talent but the uneven nature of the games also seems to show those who show up against stronger opposition ad those who are flat track bullies.

Best for Tahs - Grover (13) is next level - strong on both ends and seems to have an awareness of the game/positioning that is well beyond his years, Sharples (9) as good as they get when it comes halves - service, voice and options & wing Palmer (it's a league thing but you can't teach speed). 15 was excellent but also had some issues re option taking in attack. Thought the likes of Goddard, Doyle & Durbrige lowered their stocks today - all OK but well below their usual level.

For Reds - King is The Thing. Rubens heavy on effort. 8 & 9 were rocks and diamonds.

 

[Cockatoo Run]

Thought the likes of Goddard, Doyle & Durbrige lowered their stocks today

That’s an interesting take on things to single them out like that. Durbidge had to come off injured after a pretty good first 20 minutes,, and in today’s Courier Mail article, the Tahs coach identified Doyle as his best player.

 

[farrellybros]

Durbidge started strongly but then got caught out defensively in the wider channels (admittedly against fleet footed runners). Given they both went off perhaps he and Goddard were already carrying niggles? Doyle was strong in the last 20 but had, by his standards, a quiet first 60. Whether it's quoting a coach or not a general rule in life should be to avoid taking anything relating to junior rugby printed in the CM as remotely reliable.